From sporting events to family get-togethers to fireworks displays to motorcycle rides, summer is filled with enjoyable activities. The majority of these activities are completely safe and healthy, but some do come with a risk of noise-related hearing loss. That’s because loud noises, over time, can damage your ability to hear. A loud motorcycle engine or the roar of a crowd could be causing long-term, noise-related hearing loss.
Over time, extremely loud noises can trigger damage to your ears. As a result, you experience hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss is effectively permanent.
Although this kind of hearing loss can’t be cured, it can be effectively managed. Over the long run, you can safeguard your hearing and prevent damage by being aware of common sources of loud noise and developing prevention strategies. You can safeguard the health of your hearing while still enjoying summer fun by utilizing a few basic adjustments.
Is summer actually that noisy?
Summer may be one of those times of year where noise hazards are easiest to overlook. Some of the most prevalent dangerously loud noises include the following:
- Routine lawn care: This might include using lawnmowers, chainsaws, leaf blowers, and weed wackers. The powerful motors in many of these mechanical tools are extremely loud. Motors that run on electricity instead of gas are normally much quieter, though.
- Routine use of power tools: Home improvement projects are great activities during the summer. But power tools, in general, are often really loud. The more you use these tools, the more your hearing risk increases.
- Loud concerts: Concerts put your hearing at risk even if they’re outdoor concerts. These events are, after all, intended to be quite loud.
- Driving: A Sunday drive is very popular, but the wind rushing into your windows (or all around you if you’re driving a convertible) can be tough on your ears. And the risk becomes exponentially worse the longer you’re exposed.
- Fireworks events: Summer is full of fireworks. From neighborhood gatherings to holiday festivities to sporting events, fireworks shows are everywhere during the summer months. But fireworks shows are easily loud enough to cause irreversible hearing damage.
- Sporting events: Crowd noise can damage your hearing, particularly at events such as auto racing or monster truck rallies.
The volume level that’s regarded as where damage begins to occur is around 85 dB. This is about the volume of a lawnmower, hair dryer, or a typical blender. That’s important to note because these sounds might not feel particularly noisy. But that doesn’t mean that such volumes won’t result in damage.
Preventing noise-induced hearing damage
Noise-induced hearing loss impacts millions of individuals each year. And, unlike age-related hearing loss, noise-induced hearing loss can happen at any age. Prevention is significant for this exact reason. Here are some of the most helpful prevention strategies:
- Use disposable earplugs when you have to: Disposable earplugs aren’t as effective as more customized types, but they’re much better than nothing! An inexpensive pair of disposable earplugs can help prevent significant damage if you find yourself in a loud setting all of a sudden.
- Give your ears a break (and time to recover): Spend a quieter next day after going to a fireworks display. Additional and more significant damage can be prevented by giving your ears an opportunity to rest and recuperate.
- Download a sound level detection app to your phone: You may be surprised at just how quickly sounds can increase above that 85dB danger zone volume. Even your earbuds and headphones can start to do damage at these volume levels. You can become more aware of when volume levels begin to get too loud by downloading a volume monitoring app for your cellphone.
- Limit your time in noisy environments: If your environment is really loud, you should regulate your exposure time. Your ears can be safeguarded from long-term damage in this way. If you’re at a loud sporting event, for instance, go to a quieter area every thirty minutes or so.
- Wear hearing protection: Keep a pair of ear plugs or ear muffs on hand in case you can’t or aren’t willing to avoid specific loud situations. When you’re in locations that are too noisy, use this protection to your advantage. Damage can be avoided in this way. Custom hearing protection devices personalized to your ears and your hearing can be particularly effective.
- Get your hearing checked: Hearing loss normally doesn’t develop all of a sudden. Many individuals won’t detect the symptoms for months or years. Having your hearing checked can help you identify whether you have noise-related hearing loss. We’ll be able to discuss how to counter additional damage, which treatment solutions might be appropriate, and how to keep your hearing as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
- Turn down the volume at home: Your ears can get a break by simply reducing the volume on your devices. Damage will advance more rapidly if you’re always listening to your devices at a high volume.
You don’t need to resign yourself to having noise-related hearing loss. Prevention strategies can help maintain your hearing. You can protect your hearing and enjoy fun activities in any season with the right approach.
Talking to us can help begin your journey towards healthier ears and better hearing. Call today for an appointment!